Compagnie du Ponant

L'AUSTRAL - Compagnie du Ponant

ABOVE: L'Austral at anchor in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Le Ponant cabin Compagnie du Ponant Yacht Cruises is a boutique cruise line owned by the world's third-largest container-shipping group. Although the Marseille-based company is relatively new to the English-speaking cruise market, it has served French cruisers since 1988, and its ships carry passengers to destinations around the world. (Today, about one-third of the company's guests are French, with the rest coming from other Continental countries, the UK, the United States, and elsewhere.)

The Compagnie du Ponant fleet consists of four ships, with another on the way. Passenger capacities vary from 64 to 264, making the vessels tiny in comparison to mass-market megaships.

Le Ponant is a three-masted motorsailer that accommodates 64 passengers in 32 staterooms, including three triple cabins and two with king-size beds. The large sun deck beneath the sails enhances the yachtlike ambiance.

Le Levant is a streamlined motor yacht with a capacity of 90 cruisers. Despite its comparatively small size, it has a swimming pool, a library, a fitness room, a sauna, and a marina at the stern for water sports.

Le Boréal and L'Austral joined the fleet in 2010 and 2011 respectively. (A third Boréal-class ship will enter service in 2013.) Each megayacht accomodates 224 to 264 passengers in 132 cabins and suites, most with private balconies. Amenities include six decks, a theatre, two restaurants, a beauty center, and programs for children.

European destinations and itineraries: In 2012, Compagnie du Ponant will offer 75 cruises of 2 to 25 nights along the coasts of Northern Europe, Greenland, the Mediterranean, and the Iberian Peninsula.

Pricing: As you might expect, Compagnie du Ponant is geared to upscale cruisers, with typical per diems in the US $500 to $600+ range. ("Special offer" cruises are less expensive, with per-person rates that can dip below US $400 per day.)